Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride announced his retirement Thursday

[Playoffs]

Giants Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride announced his retirement Thursday

After almost 40 years as a football coach, Kevin Gilbride knew it was time to put family ahead of football. But the Giants offensive coordinator, who today announced his retirement, didn’t think it would be so difficult to step away from the game that has been such an integral part of his life.

“It’s hard to say, ‘It’s time,’” Gilbride said. “To finally do it, it’s a very unnatural feeling. I’ve been telling my wife (Debbie) for years I was going to do it. She moved back to Rhode Island (where she helps care for a granddaughter when the Gilbrides’ daughter is working), so I’ve been by myself in the hotel for three or four years. I knew this was it and I was going to do it. I finally pulled the trigger. But it’s difficult.”

Not just for Gilbride, but for those he has worked for and with during his 10 years with the Giants.

“I have great respect for Kevin and Debbie and their family, so it’s not an easy thing to part ways,” coach Tom Coughlin said. “Kevin is a professional. He’s been an exceptional football coach for the New York Giants. He helped win two Super Bowl championships. Kevin was the play-caller in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. He has done a great service to the franchise.”

 

[Hookem Horns]

I always liked Gilbride, especially the way he handled himself after the Buddy Ryan debacle. He did some great things with the Oilers and of course the Giants.

I think his job was in jeopardy anyway and he might have seen the writing on the wall.

 

[Double Barrel]

wow...seems like just yesterday that he was a young coordinator trying to make a name for himself in the NFL. I didn't realize that he'd been around for so long. Looking at his wiki, he started coaching in the '70's! Interesting that he started off as a coach on the defensive side of the ball.

You could tell that the Buddy punch-attempt still bothers him when they interviewed for the Houston '93 documentary. You know he wishes he could do that all over again. He would have laid that old bastard out if given the chance back then.

I had completely forgotten that he'd been a head coach for the Chargers for two seasons (fired during the second one).

 

[kingtexan]

At the end in Houston he was horrible, and Buddy had every right to go after him that game. It was good that he got back to form with the Giants though. When he was on in Houston, some of those Moon led teams were awesome. Time to take it easy and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

 

[Texecutioner]

Great man. Was thrilled to see him win two SB trophies. Always wished he would have gotten another shot at a HC position after the SD thing didn't work out. His son will be making a name for himself in the near future I suspect. He is a member of the NY Giants staff as well.